Code of Conduct

1.    Staying for the entire course:

Participants are required to stay for the entire program in order to gain the most benefit out of the training.

2.    Mindfulness training:

Living in a monastic community is an essential experience in learning to live harmoniously and to exercise a positive attitude for the benefit of all. Participants are encouraged to practice basic mindfulness trainings as follows:

2.1    Abstain from killing any living creature:

The thought of the destruction of any life even as small as a mosquito, can give rise to negative attitudes that will negatively affect your meditation experiences.

2.2    Abstain from taking things without permission:

This encourages us to be satisfied with what we have. We will be content and would like to share belongings or help in communal activities, i.e., washing dishes and preparing meals, etc. Sharing your kindness will create a very harmonious atmosphere. Generosity softens our mind, and peaceful thoughts are very conductive to meditation.

2.3    Abstain from all sexual activity:

When we meditate, your mind is supposed to be with you. If you are stimulated in a sexual manner, your mind will be affected from such distraction. A wandering mind or a mind preoccupied with attachments is impossible to settle down to a station of stillness.

2.4    Abstain from false speech:

False speech includes the telling of lies, harsh speech, divisive speech, and idle chatter. Endearing speech, truthfulness and honesty bring the community happiness. The words that encourage or inspire others to find inner peace are the most wonderful words in the world. By being mindful and abstaining from false speech, your meditation practice will progress.

2.5    Abstain from the use of intoxicants:

There is no doubt that intoxicants weaken both physical and mental health, including spurring lapses in consciousness. These substances can be a major hindrance to your progress in meditation. To practice meditation together in a group, it is necessary to cultivate and preserve peace, a real sense of well-being and joy.

Participants are asked not to bring alcoholic beverages or cigarettes to the program. For those who do smoke or drink alcohol regularly, we request that you refrain from the use of both. Additionally, the IDOP program is not suitable for those who are withdrawing from substances such as alcohol.

2.6    Abstain from having a meal after mid-day:

Reducing the number of meals eaten will result in a body that is light and fit for meditation practice, and can cut down on the sluggishness experienced after an evening meal. Trainees will be expected to be content with two non-vegetarian meals: breakfast and lunch. However, refreshments are provided in the evenings.

Please be aware that it is not possible to satisfy the special food preferences and requirements of individual participant. If your doctor has prescribed a special diet, let us know and we will see whether we can provide what you need. If the diet is too specialized or would interfere with the training, we may ask you to wait until you can be more flexible before applying. Participants are therefore kindly requested to make do with the simple meals provided.

2.7    Abstain from sensual entertainment and bodily decoration:

This is to keep the mind, speech and body away from distractions. It is also to eliminate vanity and conceit arising by way of the body.

2.8    Abstain from using high or luxurious beds:

This is a way to avoid the possibility of emotions that may lead to lust or excitement. In addition, sleeping in a bed that is luxurious may make it more difficult to get up in the morning.

3.    Outside contacts:

Trainees should refrain from interacting with individuals outside the program or training facilities throughout the training program. To make the most of your valuable time throughout the training, please stay within the boundaries throughout the training program. Permission to leave the program may be granted to trainees only upon approval by the program staff.

4.    Communication devices:

It is very difficult to sacrifice and leave the hectic world behind in search of true happiness and peace of mind. Therefore, we believe this very special time should not be interrupted. Communication devices such as computers and mobile phones may not be used during the training program. Those who bring such devices will be asked to store them with the program staff for safe-keeping.

5.    Books, card and board games, or music:

Reading materials (books, magazines), card and board games (electronic or on game board), or music that will create a distraction to participants are not allowed in the training program. Reading and writing materials not provided by the program are not allowed as well.

6.    Clothing:

Simple white IDOP T-shirt and pants will be provided for all participants. We do not use underwear.

7.  Sandals:

For IDOP 18, sandals will be provided for you, but for IDOP Winter, you must bring your own sandals. The sandals that you wear must be dark brown, water resistant, and must not be flip flops or thongs, or have a strap over the heel. You may bring your own shoes to IDOP 18 if you wish, but if they do not follow the above guidelines, you will not be permitted to wear them

8.    Adherence and adaptation:

Participants should be willing to adapt themselves to the accommodations and simple living conditions provided. In addition, participants are expected to observe any additional program guidelines as well as the teacher’s guidance throughout the duration of the program.